Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
The need for speed - toy tributes to the record breakers
11 August 2025A trio of racing car models captures the excitement of 20th century land speed record attempts.
Why it’s T-time for fire helmet fans
11 August 2025The ‘T’ on the front of this rather grand Victorian or Edwardian fire brigade helmet probably proved the difference when it came to demand.
Concert programme signed by Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, Sting and Phil Collins at Live Aid sells for £4500
07 August 2025This year marks the 40th anniversary of one of the most extraordinary music concerts ever held: Live Aid.
Magic robe worn by Tommy Cooper during his last performance now bought at auction by David Copperfield
25 July 2025A robe worn by magician and comedian Tommy Cooper (1921-84) during the performance in which he which he suffered a heart attack and collapsed on stage has been sold at a North Yorkshire auction.
Loveday cricket collection pitches in with fascinating early depictions of the game
24 July 2025After cricket fans have been enthralled by the exciting England vs India test series, bidding as well as batting and bowling will come into play at Newbury auction house Dreweatts.
‘What am I bid for… my own lots?’ Toys sale includes Bunny Campione's bunnies
21 July 2025Renowned consignor and Antiques Roadshow specialist invited up to the rostrum in Newbury
Quaker connections outlined in a fascinating collection sold at auction
21 July 2025Manuscripts underline the overlapping lives of families in northern England and their extensive travels
Pre-20th century dolls delight today’s collectors
21 July 2025Described as “rare and exquisite” when it came up for auction at C&T (22% buyer’s premium), an early painted carved wooden doll lived up to her billing.
The Left Bank with dust jacket is just right for buyer
21 July 2025A first edition copy of 'The Left Bank and Other Stories' by the Dominican author Jean Rhys (1890-1979) and 'Portrait of New York' by Cecil Beaton (1904-80) were offered together at Ewbank’s (25% buyer’s premium).
CS Lewis sleeper reveals Malvern and Moore link
21 July 2025A group lot of works by or pertaining to CS Lewis performed rather better than its modest guide at Scottish firm Taylors Auction Rooms (26% buyer’s premium).
Tibet caught on film and canvas including Dalai Lama enthronement
23 June 2025Photo albums contain some of the first images of the remote country plus enthronement of the Dalai Lama
Edmund Gunter rules the waves as brass rules makes 20 times estimate
16 June 2025The Gunter rule was designed to help with the mathematical calculations necessary in navigation.
Early doll coming to auction could be a royal memento gift
16 June 2025A highlight of the The Dolls’ House, Doll, Teddy Bear and Toy sale taking place at Special Auction Services on June 24-26 is a mid-17th century wooden doll, just 5½in (14cm) high.
Brace yourselves for Brooker Part 2 at Olympia Auctions
16 June 2025Foremost among Olympia Auctions’ several collections on offer in the June 25-26 sale are the 96 lots from Robert Brooker’s collection.
The blades of glory
16 June 2025Edged weapons such as swords and daggers are on a ‘hot streak’ as one saleroom puts it. Here we look at the latest highlights
Dashing cavalry helmet owned by a John Trotter
16 June 2025A striking household cavalry officer’s 1817 pattern helmet offered at Antony Cribb (25% buyer’s premium) had the considerable bonus of retaining its “very rare” japanned storage tin with the owner’s name legible.
